Often labeled a supergroup, Alter Bridge are no strangers to Luxembourg. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform a few years back, supported by the mighty Halestorm, and while I left impressed, I wasn’t totally blown away.
This time, however, was different.
Alter Bridge was served to the masses as the cherry on top of a rock metal trifecta for the ages, supported by the mighty Sevendust and Daughtry.
Sevendust set the tone for the night with their unique approach to the genre.
“A masterclass in rock and metal”
They were the perfect opener for what was shaping up to be an amazing evening of metal.
Next up came Daughtry. Full disclosure: I was a massive fan of the band’s earlier work from the mid 2000s. Think Nickelback-style softcore rock tracks.
I know it’s cringe, but the guy nails those tracks so well with his signature vocal style. I was curious to see the new, heavier direction frontman Chris Daughtry has taken with the band.
From preliminary listens, it didn’t really do much for me, and live, I had to admit I felt the same way. It seems the band is trying to sound like everyone else in the metal scene, a bit like a kind of dimestore Sleep Token.
It’s a shame, because it feels like a band that once had a strong identity has now lost its way. There were moments of brilliance, but overall I was not very impressed. I didn’t “feel” it.
The same cannot be said for Alter Bridge.
Now, you are reading the words of someone seeing this band for the seventh time. There is an inherent bias there, but I have to say, this was by far the best showing I have ever heard from them.
It really cannot be overstated just how incredible a frontman and vocalist Myles Kennedy is. As a professional singer myself, he never ceases to stun with his flawless approach to rock vocals.
It was truly jaw-dropping to watch the effortless ease with which he attacked notes that would make even the most seasoned rock singers balk.
It was incredibly inspiring stuff, and that is without mentioning the intricate guitar parts he handles with the same ease. His performance was pure masterclass from a musician who only seems to get better and better.
Backed by longtime collaborator and guitar legend in his own right, Mark Tremonti, Alter Bridge soared the entire evening. Mark’s huge guitar tones and roaring solo’s took the crowd on a progressive metal journey few other bands could ever hope to match musically, nevermind live.
It was a masterclass in rock and metal, with a set perfectly paced and full of crowd-pleasers from their decades-long discography.
I had a massive smile on my face the entire night; it felt like pure fan service and the energy in the room was euphoric. The rhythm section, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips, crushed the entire show, ensuring every accent was delivered with precision and aggression.
As I said to my friends after the show, Alter Bridge really stand leagues above their peers, particularly when it comes to their performances live.
I left Rockhal in a state of awe and admiration. Alter Bridge came, they saw, and they kicked ass. This was one of the best shows I have been to in recent memory.
Namaste.
For more LOUDER stuff, be sure to check out our dedicated show on Monday’s at 8pm AND on demand via RTL Play.
